Suiseki & Satsuki

This stone speaks of Death Valley or some remote spot on the edge of the North African desert. It”s from the California Suiseki Society’s 15th Annual Show, via Bonsai Tonight. A great debate? I don’t think we’ve ever featured suiseki (viewing stones) on this blog. We used to feature them regularly in Bonsai Today, with occasional objections by some readers. I’ve always felt that suiseki is a natural with bonsai, so mixing in a few makes sense to me. Perhaps this is a Japanese influenced view, as it seems that you see suiseki and bonsai together with much greater frequency … Continue reading Suiseki & Satsuki

Bonsai No Satori

From the cover of Bonsai No Satori, Chase and Solita Rosade’s new newsletter. Send us your news We are happy to post bonsai news from around the world. We get around sixteen thousand visits a month from pretty much everywhere. Some of these just might be interested in what you are doing. Send your info to: wayne@stonelantern.com Our news (mostly larches) I’m still digging larches (Larix laricina) and a few Northern white cedars (Thuja occidentalis). A friend of mine has a swampy area on his land that is full of larches. Nothing too old (the swamp was cleared about fifteen … Continue reading Bonsai No Satori

Bonsai by the Thousands

Talk about maximizing space. This photo is from somewhere in Japan via BonsaiNet on facebook. If it weren’t the guy on the right, you might think we’re somewhere in the 19th century. This one, also from BonsaiNet, has a caption: Kanuma & Abe bonsai nurseries.

Old School? New School? Or Just Lazy?

I found this monster on facebook. It was posted by Miano Vito. Actually, the photo I found is below; this is my cropped version. A few questions, but nothing personal 1. Cigarette pack? I think this method for revealing scale originated in Japan back in the neolithic era. 2. Why didn’t he take five minutes to clean the filthy pot? Just lazy, or am I missing something? 3. Is this a Phoenix graft or the real thing? If it’s the real thing, then it is a true monster (in the positive sense). If it’s a Phoenix, it’s a minor monster … Continue reading Old School? New School? Or Just Lazy?

Kimura’s Dragon & Old Magazines

Masahiko Kimura’s ‘Dragon’ from Bonsai Today issue 2 (long out of print). It also appeared in ‘The Bonsai Art of Kimura’ (also long out of print). The Magician, The Bonsai Art of Kimura 2 is still in print and is currently discounted. The good news & the bad news The good news is that we are selling our collection out-of-print Bonsai Todays that we have bought back from people over the years. The bad news is that many have already sold. More good news (maybe) We are buying back out-of-print Bonsai Today whenever the opportunity arises, so, if and when … Continue reading Kimura’s Dragon & Old Magazines

Tree + Pot = Bonsai

This sinuous shimpaku by Boon Manakitivipart (Bonsai Boon) is an excellent example of how to harmonize a tree with a pot. Not only does the rusty orange/tan (what is that color called?) pot color highlight the cinnamon colored bark, but the soft curves of pot enhance the trunk’s soft curves as well as the overall soft roundness of the foliage. As an added touch, the high shine on the pot helps bring out the bark’s almost glowing quality. Altogether a very sweet effect. What do you think? I’m not an expert and my opinion is just my opinion (opinions are … Continue reading Tree + Pot = Bonsai

Another Bon-Tat?

Scott Tice’s shoulder, fully adorned. Nice flowers. Are we heading in the wrong direction? I’m not sure about these bon-tats anymore, though the flowers on Scott’s are very good. Are we heading in the wrong direction with these? Or should be continue posting them? Any thoughts? Disclaimer I don’t have any tattoos, and if I did, it probably wouldn’t be a bonsai (maybe a Mahakala). Most people in my generation don’t have tattoos, and when they do, it’s usually just one, and often that one is hidden. Still, I am not opposed to the culture of prolific tattoos that mark … Continue reading Another Bon-Tat?

Sixty Four Years of Bonsai in Sacramento

Coast live oak by Greg McDonald of the Sacramento Bonsai Club. If you want to see more detail, check out this larger image. California dreamin’ but no diggin’ Though I don’t know the history of the oak above, I imagine it was collected in the California Coast Range. California (and most of the West Coast) is blessed with some of the most spectacularly wild mountain ranges anywhere, and these ranges are covered with a multitude of collectable tree species. Enough to boggle even the most jaded tree lover’s mind. This is not to say that I think you should run … Continue reading Sixty Four Years of Bonsai in Sacramento

If It Weren’t For Bonsaimania…

I lifted this off Bonsaimania’s ‘Inspiraciones para tu Bonsái’ on facebook. They translate it as ‘Inspirations to your Bonsai,’ a sweet touch, no? Bonsaimania and facebook If it weren’t for Bonsaimania’s consistently great photos, and a few other things here and there, facebook would most certainly live up to its reputation as one big fat waste of time. Don’t forget Judge & Win! Here’s another from ‘Inspiraciones para tu Bonsáii.’

Satsuki Art Blooms at the National Museum

The sky blue pot is the perfect compliment to the light pink flowers on this powerful Satsuki Azalea that resides at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC. There are a multitude of cultivars in the Satsuki group of azaleas. This one is a ‘Nikko.’ It was donated to the museum by Masayuki Nakamura. As you read this… … one of the best and most breathtaking exhibits of blooming satsuki azaleas is taking place at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. It has already started (May 29th) but don’t despair, it runs until June 13th. Even if you … Continue reading Satsuki Art Blooms at the National Museum